How to Start a Women's Bible Study

The job of leading a women's Bible study in your church may seem beyond your reach, but there's a reason why this thought keeps cropping up in your mind. While the start up of such a group may take a lot of preparation, you can do it by following some practical advice and a few instructions. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Organize your thoughts, goals and purposes for the Bible study. Before beginning a women's Bible study you need to sit down and write out the mission and logistics of the group you want to start. You'll need a written statement like this to help you when it comes time to present the idea to the church administration, and you can copy it and hand it out.

2. Have a location in mind. When you're writing your mission statement, be sure to include a few suggestions as to where you'd like to hold the study. This usually means a fellowship hall, a classroom, the sanctuary or a combination of these.

3. Estimate how many women will participate. You'll need to determine how small or large you want your Bible study group to be; this number ties in with the space you need. In addition, the number of participants can also give you an idea of your budget needs.

4. Determine your budget. When meeting with the administration, be sure to let them know how this Bible study will be funded. You have to decide whether you'll ask the church to provide the money for materials and for about how many women, or whether you'll charge the women for their books or asking for a freewill donation.

5. Scout for assistants. A successful women's Bible study needs assistants. Ask your congregation for volunteers to make coffee upon arrival, to be greeters and to help lead, especially if you have a group big enough to break up into smaller study clusters.

6. Engage in some public relations. Make sure that the women in your congregation and your local communities know about your Bible study. Make posters and fliers and hang them around the church and local businesses with all the pertinent information.

7. Be prepared. You may think that's what you've been doing, and it is, but you need to be prepared for your first day. Get to the church early and ask for volunteers to help you set up. Make sure your materials have arrived and be ready to order more for women who signed up at the last minute.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't choose a study topic that's so personal to you that you begin to sound preachy. The topic should be broad enough that it pertains to a variety of women of all ages and social stations.

• When leading the study, avoid dominating the discussion portion of the session. Leading isn't so much teaching as it is facilitating the group.

Resources

• Website for faith proclamation aimed at national students